…As Zone ‘A’ Visits Family of Rice Sale Stampede Victims, Rollout Support Strategies

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has condemned in strong terms, the brutal attack recently meted against its officers and men in Katsina which claimed the life of Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna, at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State on April 17, 2024.

This came in a remark by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi while extending his heartfelt condolences to the late officer’s family and colleagues. 

“Violence against our officers is utterly unacceptable, and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice”

He emphasises that the NCS was already in close collaboration with other security agencies, and would tirelessly work, to apprehend the perpetrators of this reprehensible act.

“Violence against our officers is utterly unacceptable, and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice”, the CGC stressed, assuring that the Service will leave no stones unturned until the murderers face the full consequences of their actions.

“The safety of our personnel and the security of our borders remain paramount. We are committed to working with traditional rulers, government bodies, and sister agencies to combat this heinous crime against our personnel.”

Under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes. The Service will not falter in its mission to uphold the law and protect the interests of the Nigerian people.

“Intelligence available to us indicates that certain unpatriotic community members are harbouring suspected accomplices involved in this heinous crime. 

“We implore these individuals to embrace patriotism by aligning with the law and refraining from condoning illegality. It is in the best interest of our communities and nation to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements and ensure justice prevails”, the Comptroller General also said.

The NCS urged the public to join hands in the fight against the brazen criminals, imploring the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities of the daredevil smugglers to the nearest customs formation.

“Together, we can create a safer environment for our officers and a more secure nation for all”, he further said.

In another development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024.

The Maritime First learnt that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.

During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family, stressing their grief.

“We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being,” the delegation emphasised.

This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.

“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” He explained.

Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen, pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.

“The service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously.

 “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward,” he stated.

In response, Odulaja appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support. He said, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”

 It will be recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims. 

According to the statement,  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”

…Michael Ugbagu takes over 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone “C” has announced the contraband seizures of N7,577,259,390.00 between January 25th, 2023 and April 19th, 2024. 

Outgoing Comptroller Kayode Kolade disclosed this in a farewell message while handing over to his successor and new Comptroller of the Unit, Mr Michael Ugbagu. 

Kayode thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs; Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his entire management team, for the trust and confidence bestowed on him to serve as Comptroller FOUC and for replacing Ugbagu, “a thorough enforcement guru. 

“I am grateful to the Comptroller-General of Customs; Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his entire management team, for the trust and confidence bestowed on me from January 25th 2023 to April 19th 2024 as I hand the affairs of this unit to another amiable Comptroller Michael Ugbagu, who is also a thorough enforcement guru”. 

He thanked unit officers for their unparalleled support, commitment, dedication, handwork and prayers, adding that their support was the reason for his successes. 

 “With all your support and cooperation, the Unit within my tenure was able to make substantial and spectacular seizures; totalling 198 seizures with a duty paid value of only N7,577,259,390 derived from five sacks of Pangolin scales weighing 413.1kg worth N523,356,390; 1,813 bags of  50KG each of 

foreign  parboiled rice worth N105, 105,000.00;

815 SACKS of Cannabis Sativa weighing 17,950KG and 2,935 PARCELS (1KG EACH) weighing 2,935kg (TOTALING 20,885KG) worth N1,670,800,000.00. 

Other seizures and their breakdown are as shown: 

1. DSP/CMC cough syrup with codeine

31 Cartons containing 3,600 bottles 

   N21,600,000.00

52 units including 3 armored vehicles, N4,275,000,000.00, explosive devices

9  sacks 50kg of explosive materials/superpower 90 substance/ cables N12,990,000

+ security implication, used clothing/ shoes

1,807 jumbo bales, 48 sacks of used shoes, 

N451,750,000.00, N4,800,000.00

5. unregistered/expired medicaments, 

955 cartons of expired/various brands,  including tramadol, N238,750,000.00, 

used pneumatic tyres, 6,457 PIECES

N96,855,000.00 for foreign spaghetti, 364 cartons at  N7,280,000.00, 4,693 cartons, and foreign tomato paste at N234,650,000. OIL

He added that although FOUC is not a revenue-generating unit, under his watch and based on interventions to checkmate the activities of fraudulent agents at the seaports, lots of lost revenues were recovered to N155,819,714.00. within his 15 months in office. 

Comptroller Kayode also reconstructed and equipped a clinic at the Unit’s office, in Owerri,  where officers and Men, as well as members of the host community, enjoy free health care services administered by the unit’s qualified medical personnel. 

In addition, to ensure a healthy work-life balance, he carved out a spacious office for sports activities with fully installed gym equipment where officers and men can exercise. 

He called on everyone to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor, Comptroller Micheal Ugbagu as he pilots the unit affairs and wished him well. 

“I wish you well my brother. You will succeed and your legacies will be felt as well “, he said. 

In his response, Comptroller Michael Ugbagu thanked the CGC and his entire management team for bestowing him with the mandate to oversee the affairs of FOUC. 

He thanked Comptroller Kolade for his “highly commendable “ achievements while he held sway and pledged continued compliance with established guidelines. 

 “We will ensure compliance with the current import and export guidelines using intelligence and technology to drive our operations. 

 “There will be watertight security against smuggling activities across the zone. Smugglers will be discouraged, frustrated and made uncomfortable, making smuggling, duty evasion and warehousing of smuggled goods unattractive within the zone “, he said. 

He called for support and cooperation from the media and the general public to enable him to carry out his new assignment. 

…As CGC affirms determination to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will continue to promote gender equality in decision-making processes, as part of its determined efforts to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasised this, reaffirming his commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive environment within the service. during a capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity, co-organised by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the NCS in Abuja on Monday, April 22, 2024, 

Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan, represented the CGC at the event, where she emphasised the need for clear policies and procedures to address gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within the NCS.

“We aim to create a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the service’s success, regardless of gender,” the CGC said. 

“We are committed to addressing gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within our ranks, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our policies and practices reflect this commitment.”

The workshop brought together customs officials, gender experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting gender inclusivity and addressing gender-based violence in the workplace.

With this reaffirmed commitment, the NCS demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential..